CN115111655A

CN115111655A - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: CN115111655A
Application number: CN202210020625.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 河村佳宪
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2022-01-10
Publication date: 2022-09-27
Also published as: JP7519322B2; JP2022144265A

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner which can more effectively perform indoor sterilization treatment through a simple structure and inhibit the indoor air from drying. For example, an air conditioner includes a casing, a fan, a photocatalyst filter, a water receiving unit, and a light source. The fan takes air outside the casing into the ventilation passage inside the casing, and discharges the air to the outside of the casing through the heat exchanger. The photocatalyst filter is a filter that is provided in a part of the ventilation path to allow air to pass therethrough and that contains photocatalyst and may contain water. The water receiving portion can supply water to the photocatalyst filter. The light source can irradiate ultraviolet light to the photocatalyst filter.

Description

Air conditioner

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air conditioner.

Background

Conventionally, there has been proposed an air conditioner which generates an active ingredient (for example, OH radical, ozone, etc.) having a sterilization effect by using high-voltage discharge, and discharges the active ingredient into a room together with air whose temperature has been adjusted to perform sterilization and deodorization in the room. In addition, an air conditioner has been proposed in which moisture is supplied to a discharge portion to generate hydrogen peroxide containing an active ingredient, and the hydrogen peroxide is released together with air whose temperature has been adjusted.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2010-196960

However, in the case of the conventional technology, the moisture is supplied to the periphery of the small discharge part to generate hydrogen peroxide, and the like, at present, and thus a measure for drying the inside of the room cannot be sufficiently taken. In particular, in winter such as heating operation, the degree of drying of the indoor air is often high, and if the drying of the indoor air can be suppressed while performing the sterilization treatment in the room, the indoor environment can be further improved, which is significant.

Disclosure of Invention

An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can more effectively perform indoor sterilization treatment and suppress drying of indoor air with a simple configuration.

An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing, a fan, a photocatalyst filter, a water receiving unit, and a light source. The fan takes in air outside the casing into a ventilation path inside the casing, and discharges the air outside the casing through the heat exchanger. The photocatalyst filter is a water-containing filter that is provided in a part of the air passage to allow the air to pass therethrough and contains a photocatalyst. The water receiving portion can supply water to the photocatalyst filter. The light source can irradiate ultraviolet light to the photocatalyst filter.

The water receiving portion can hold a surfactant that can continuously supply a surfactant component to the water supplied to the water receiving portion.

In addition, a water generating unit may be provided on the air discharge side of the casing, and the water generating unit may generate water from air flowing in the casing at least during a heating operation.

Further, the water generating unit may include: a branching portion that branches a flow of the refrigerant into a first branch flow path and a second branch flow path on a downstream side of the heat exchanger; a low temperature unit provided in the first branch flow path, for generating condensed water to be supplied to the water receiving unit by reducing the temperature of the refrigerant to a temperature equal to or lower than a temperature at which the condensed water can be generated; and a reheating unit that is provided in the second branch flow passage, and heats the refrigerant, which has been reduced in the temperature reducing unit, downstream of the temperature reducing unit so as to approach the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second branch flow passage and join the refrigerant flowing through the second branch flow passage.

Further, an ozone generator may be provided on the opposite side of the photocatalyst filter and on the upstream side of the ventilation passage with the light source interposed therebetween.

According to the above air conditioner, for example, only by irradiating the photocatalyst filter with ultraviolet light, holes (holes) can be formed on the surface of the photocatalyst filter, and electrons can be extracted from hydroxide ions of water impregnated in the photocatalyst filter, thereby generating OH radicals having a strong oxidizing power. In this case, since the photocatalyst filter can be impregnated with sufficient water, hydrogen peroxide containing OH radicals can be sufficiently generated. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide can be released into the room by riding on the temperature-adjusted air discharged from the ventilation path with a simple configuration, and the sterilization effect in the room can be improved. Further, since the photocatalyst filter provided in the middle of the ventilation passage can be impregnated with sufficient water, sufficient moisture can be released into the air. As a result, it can contribute to suppression of drying in the room.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an air conditioner (indoor unit) according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of generation of OH radicals using a photocatalyst.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory view showing that the photocatalyst filter impregnated with dew water is irradiated with ultraviolet light to generate hydrogen peroxide containing OH radicals in the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory view showing the generation of accelerated hydrogen peroxide by adding a surfactant to water impregnated in a photocatalyst filter in an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram illustrating generation of dew condensation water using a circulating refrigerant during heating operation in the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory view showing a system for generating dew condensation water using a circulating refrigerant and returning the refrigerant used for water generation to a circulation system in the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory view showing a system for improving the efficiency of accelerating the generation of hydrogen peroxide by using ozone in a modification of the air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment.

Description of the symbols

10: an air conditioning device; 10A: an indoor unit; 10B: an outdoor unit; 12: a housing; 12 a: a suction inlet; 12 b: an air outlet; 16: a fan; 18: a heat exchanger; 22: a hydrogen peroxide generation unit; 24: a light source; 26: a photocatalyst filter; 28: a water receiving part; 32: OH radicals; 34: a cooling tube; 36: hydrogen peroxide; 36A: accelerating the hydrogen peroxide; 38: a surfactant; 50: a water generating section; 52: a low temperature portion (capillary tube); 54: a reheating section (double-layer exhaust pipe section); 56: an ozone generator; 58: ozone.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the constituent elements of the embodiments and descriptions of the elements may be described by various expressions. The constituent elements and their description are examples, and are not limited to the expression of the present specification. The constituent elements can be identified by names different from those in the present specification. Further, the constituent elements can also be described by expressions different from those of the present specification.

Fig. 1 is an exemplary and schematic diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 10A) according to an embodiment. The indoor unit 10A shown in fig. 1 is, for example, a household air conditioner. The indoor unit 10A is disposed indoors in a building, and is connected to an outdoor unit 10B (see fig. 5) disposed outdoors via a refrigerant pipe and electric wiring. The air conditioner 10 is not limited to this example, and may be another air conditioner such as a commercial air conditioner.

An indoor unit 10A of the air conditioner 10 includes a casing 12, a suction port filter 14, a fan 16, a heat exchanger 18, a wind direction plate 20, and the like. The indoor unit 10A of the present embodiment further includes a light source 24, a photocatalyst filter 26, a water receiving unit 28, and the like as the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22.

As shown in fig. 1, in the present specification, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are defined for convenience. The X, Y and Z axes are mutually orthogonal. The X axis is provided along the width of the indoor unit 10A (air conditioner 10). The Y axis is provided along the depth of the indoor unit 10A. The Z axis is set along the height of the indoor unit 10A.

In the present specification, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes a + X direction indicated by an arrow of the X axis and a-X direction opposite to the arrow of the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes a + Y direction indicated by an arrow of the Y axis and a-Y direction opposite to the arrow of the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes a + Z direction indicated by an arrow of the Z axis and a-Z direction opposite to the arrow of the Z axis. In the present embodiment, the + Z direction is the upper direction and the-Z direction is the lower direction.

The housing 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction. In addition, the housing 12 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 12 is erected on a wall of a building, for example. In addition, in other examples, the following may be also possible: a wall surface is opened with an air inlet 12a for indoor air and an air outlet 12b for conditioned air, and the casing 12 itself is embedded in the wall. In the case of fig. 1, the suction port 12a is provided on the upper surface of the casing 12, and the discharge port 12b is provided on the side surface in the Y direction, but the positions of the suction port 12a and the discharge port 12b can be appropriately changed as long as the suction and discharge of the air in the room can be smoothly performed.

The suction port 12a opens at one end of the air passage WR, and the discharge port 12b opens at the other end of the air passage WR. A heat exchanger 18, a fan 16, and a hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22 are disposed in a part of the ventilation path WR. The indoor unit 10A (air conditioner 10) of the present embodiment is a device that performs temperature control of indoor air and sterilization treatment of the indoor using hydrogen peroxide (including OH radicals). In this specification, the side of the ventilation path WR closer to the suction port 12a may be referred to as the upstream side, and the side closer to the discharge port 12b may be referred to as the downstream side. The opening shapes and positions of the suction port 12a and the discharge port 12b are not limited to the illustrated opening shapes and positions.

Suction port filter 14 is disposed in a portion of suction port 12a or in a ventilation path WR on the downstream side of suction port 12a, for example, on the upstream side of fan 16 and heat exchanger 18. The suction port filter 14 is formed in a mesh shape, for example, and filters air sucked from the suction port 12a to capture dust in the air. The indoor unit 10A may be provided with a cleaning mechanism for removing dust collected by the suction port filter 14.

By rotating the fan 16 around a rotation axis extending in the X direction, air outside the casing 12 is taken in from the suction port 12a into the ventilation path WR inside the casing 12, and the air is discharged outside the casing 12 by passing through the heat exchanger 18. That is, the indoor unit 10A sucks air outside the casing 12 (indoor air) into the ventilation path WR inside the casing 12 from the suction port 12 a. The sucked air passes through the heat exchanger 18 and the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22, and is blown out from the air outlet 12b as temperature-adjusted air (wind) having a sterilization effect.

The heat exchanger 18 is disposed in the ventilation passage WR. In the case of fig. 1, the heat exchanger 18 is disposed in the ventilation path WR so as to surround the fan 16. In another example, the heat exchanger 18 may be disposed upstream of the fan 16, and in another example, may be disposed downstream of the fan 16. The heat exchanger 18 includes, for example, a refrigerant pipe and a plurality of fins. The heat exchanger 18 exchanges heat with ambient air in the ventilation path WR. Since the heat exchanger 18 is positioned in the ventilation path WR, when the fan 16 is driven and performs an air blowing operation toward the downstream side, the air sucked through the suction port 12a is sent to the heat exchanger 18 and passes through. Thus, the air flowing through the air passage WR exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 18, and cools the air (wind) flowing through the air passage WR during the cooling operation, and heats the air (wind) flowing through the air passage WR during the heating operation. In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 18 is disposed so as to surround the Z-direction side (upper side in the figure) of the fan 16 along the X-direction. The arrangement posture and the shape can be appropriately changed according to the path of the ventilation path WR, the shape of the case 12, the layout of each built-in member, and the like.

The wind direction plate 20 is also called a louver. The air vanes 20 are provided near the outlet 12b of the indoor unit 10A. A wind vane 20 is located downstream of the fan 16. The wind direction plate 20 is continuously or intermittently movable between a closed position Pc shown by a broken line and an open position Po shown by a solid line in fig. 1. When located at the closed position Pc, the wind direction plate 20 covers substantially the entire area of the outlet 12 b. By controlling the opening angle of the wind direction plate 20, the direction of the wind blown out from the air outlet 12b can be adjusted. For example, if the louver 20 is opened in a nearly horizontal position, air is blown toward a position farther from the indoor unit 10A, and by bringing the louver 20 close to the closed position Pc, air can be blown toward a position closer to the indoor unit 10A. Further, left and right wind direction plates that can swing in the X direction and the-X direction may be provided at the same time, and the direction of the wind blown out from the air outlet 12b may be controlled in the X direction and the-X direction.

As described above, the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22 includes the light source 24, the photocatalyst filter 26, and the water receiving unit 28, and generates hydrogen peroxide inside the housing 12.

The light source 24 can irradiate, for example, titanium oxide (titanium oxide TiO) ₂ ) The electrons in the valence band of the photocatalyst are excited to light in the conduction band, for example, ultraviolet light. The light source 24 may always emit ultraviolet light during operation of the indoor unit 10A, or may emit ultraviolet light only when the sterilization mode is selected. The light source 24 has an irradiation surface in the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the surface of the photocatalyst filter 26 and is set with an irradiation region so that ultraviolet light of a predetermined intensity can be irradiated to substantially the entire surface of the photocatalyst filter 26. As will be described later, in the case of the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22 of the present embodiment, the light source 24 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the two photocatalyst filters 26 as shown in fig. 1, and is disposed so as to be able to irradiate both of the photocatalyst filters 26 with ultraviolet light. Therefore, for example, a plurality of light sources 24 may be provided at predetermined intervals in the X direction so as not to block air passing through the photocatalyst filter 26. In other embodiments, the light source 24 may be configured to irradiate the ultraviolet light from a position (e.g., a position above the ventilation path WR) that does not block the air flow in the ventilation path WR. In this case, the light source 24 may be a single irradiation surface capable of covering the irradiation region.

The photocatalyst filter 26 is a water-containing member that is provided in a part of the ventilation path WR so as to allow air to pass therethrough and contains a photocatalyst. Specifically, the photocatalyst filter 26 is a flat member disposed in a longitudinal direction extending in the X direction and substantially perpendicularly extending in the Z direction, and is formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric or the like. The shape and arrangement of the photocatalyst filter 26 can be appropriately changed according to the path of the ventilation path WR, the shape of the case 12, the layout of the respective members incorporated therein, and the like. The lower end portion of the photocatalyst filter 26 in the Z direction is immersed in the water stored in the water receiving portion 28, and the water is drawn up to the upper end portion of the photocatalyst filter 26 by capillary action. That is, the photocatalyst filter 26 can maintain a state of being rich in water. The photocatalyst filter 26 is, for example, a filter supporting powdery titanium oxide (titanium oxide TiO) ₂ )。

As illustrated and schematically shown in fig. 2, the photocatalyst filter 26 (photocatalyst 26a) is configured to emit electrons 26b from the surface thereof when receiving irradiation of ultraviolet light (UV) from the light source 24. At this time, the hole from which the electron 26b is extracted is called a hole (hole), and has a positive charge 26 c. The holes have a strong oxidizing power and take electrons from hydroxyl ions 30(OH-) and the like present in water. At this time, the hydroxyl ion 30 from which the electron is extracted becomes an OH radical 32 in a very unstable state. The OH radicals 32 have a strong oxidizing power, and extract electrons from nearby organic substances, thereby stabilizing themselves. As a result, the organic substances from which electrons are extracted are cut and bound, and finally become carbon dioxide and water, which are emitted into the atmosphere. That is, bacteria and viruses that are organic substances can be inactivated.

The OH radicals 32 generated in the photocatalyst filter 26 are more effectively discharged by the air flow passing through the photocatalyst filter 26 by the air flowing in the ventilation path WR. Therefore, the photocatalyst filter 26 is preferably provided to substantially cover the ventilation path WR, but in order to adjust the air resistance in consideration of the air resistance in the ventilation path WR, the region where the photocatalyst filter 26 is not present may be appropriately adjusted and set as shown in fig. 1. For example, the photocatalyst filter 26 may be rotatably attached, and the inclination of the photocatalyst filter 26 may be changed by the rotation thereof, so that the air resistance in the ventilation passage WR may be appropriately adjusted.

The water receiving unit 28 may receive and store dew condensation water generated in the heat exchanger 18 during the cooling operation of the indoor unit 10A by a drain pan, not shown, and may receive and store water supplied from the outside through a water supply tank, a water supply inlet, and the like by a pipe, not shown. When water is supplied from the water supply tank, water containing a surfactant can be supplied to the water receiving portion 28 by introducing water containing a surfactant into the water supply tank in advance. Thus, as described later, accelerated hydrogen peroxide can be generated. Although described later, the condensation water actively generated by the refrigerant circulating through the heat exchangers 18 of the outdoor unit 10B and the indoor unit 10A may be stored. As described above, the lower end portion of the photocatalyst filter 26 is immersed in the water receiving portion 28, and the photocatalyst filter 26 can sufficiently contain the stored water by utilizing the capillary phenomenon.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory view showing that in the indoor unit 10A (air-conditioning apparatus 10), the photocatalyst filter 26 containing dew condensation water is irradiated with ultraviolet light to generate hydrogen peroxide 36 containing OH radicals 32.

As described above, the water (H) stored in the water receiving portion 28 is drawn up by the capillary phenomenon in the photocatalyst filter 26 supporting a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide ₂ O), when the light source 24 receives Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, electrons 26b fly from the surface of the photocatalyst filter 26 as described in fig. 2. At this time, the hole from which the electron 26b is extracted has a positive charge 26 c. Then, the holes extract electrons from the hydroxide ions 30 and the like present in the water drawn from the water receiving portion 28. At this time, the hydroxyl ions 30 from which electrons are extracted become OH radicals 32 in a very unstable state. Since the water (H) drawn up by the photocatalyst filter 26 and supplied from the water receiving part 28 is sufficiently present around the generated OH radicals 32 ₂ O), so that the OH radicals 32 dissolve in water to form hydrogen peroxide 36 (H) ₂ O ₂ ). The OH radicals 32 are generally easily oxidized and have a short lifetime, but when they are changed to hydrogen peroxide 36, they are hardly oxidized and have a long lifetime.

The hydrogen peroxide 36 generated by the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22 flows through the inside of the casing 12 by the operation of the fan 16, and is discharged to the outside (indoor) of the indoor unit 10A while riding on the wind W passing through the photocatalyst filter 26. The hydrogen peroxide 36 emitted from the indoor unit 10A reacts with positive ions (H +) and negative ions (O) on the surface of viruses and the like floating in the air ₂ -) are bound, and a portion is returned as OH radical 32. The OH radical 32 having a strong oxidizing power abstracts a hydrogen atom (H) from the surface of the virus protein, and deactivates (sterilizes) the virus. Further, the OH radicals 32 are bonded to the abstracted hydrogen atom (H) and become water (H) after the reaction ₂ O) to return to the air.

In this way, the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 10A) according to the present embodiment can generate OH radicals 32 having a strong oxidizing power simply by irradiating the photocatalyst filter 26 with ultraviolet light. At this time, since the photocatalyst filter 26 can be impregnated with sufficient water, the hydrogen peroxide 36 containing the OH radicals 32 can be sufficiently generated. In this case, since the photocatalyst filter 26 having a sufficient area (size) can be easily disposed in the air passage WR, a sufficient amount of hydrogen peroxide 36 can be generated. As a result, the temperature-adjusted air discharged from the ventilation path WR is released into the room while containing the hydrogen peroxide 36 with a simple configuration, thereby improving the sterilization effect in the room. Further, since the photocatalyst filter 26 provided in the ventilation passage WR can be impregnated with sufficient water, sufficient water can be released into the air, and the released OH radicals 32 are returned to water as a result of the sterilization treatment, so that the water can be returned to the room, which can contribute to the suppression of drying in the room. As described above, the photocatalyst filter 26 that can contain water is relatively easily assembled as a large-sized member in the case 12, and therefore, more water can be released to easily suppress drying in the room.

However, the OH radicals 32 can become so-called "accelerated hydrogen peroxide" which further improves the sterilization capability (improves the sterilization efficiency) by combining with the surfactant. It is considered that hydrogen peroxide is accelerated by the action of the surfactant, OH radicals are easily permeated from the surface of bacteria and viruses, and bacteria and viruses can be inactivated in a shorter time. Therefore, in the air conditioning apparatus 10 (indoor unit 10A) of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the water receiving unit 28 can hold the surfactant 38. For example, a holding portion capable of holding a surfactant sheet or a bead-like surfactant bead as the surfactant 38 is formed on the bottom surface portion 28a of the water receiving portion 28 so that the surfactant component can be continuously supplied into the water stored in the water receiving portion 28. The holding portion is formed as a holding region made of, for example, a mesh, and suppresses the surfactant 38 from floating inside the water receiving portion 28 and moving to a deviated position, thereby making it possible to achieve a uniform concentration of the surfactant component in the water stored in the water receiving portion 28. The surfactant 38 held in the water receiving unit 28 is preferably configured to gradually elute the surfactant component for a long period of time, so that maintenance is not required for a long period of time (operation for putting the surfactant is not required). In another embodiment, an automatic charging device may be provided to periodically charge the solid or liquid surfactant 38. In order to suppress the concentration variation of the interface active component, a stirring device or the like may be provided in the tank of the water receiving portion 28. For example, the water receiving unit 28 may be periodically vibrated, or a stirring blade that periodically operates may be provided inside the water receiving unit 28.

In this way, the surfactant 38 is put into the water receiving portion 28, and the stored water is drawn up to the photocatalyst filter 26 while containing the surfactant component. Further, by irradiating the photocatalyst filter 26 with ultraviolet light (UV) from the light source 24, the accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A (H) can be easily generated ₂ O ₂ ) As in the example of fig. 3, the hydrogen peroxide 36A can be released into the room with higher sterilization efficiency by riding on the wind W flowing through the ventilation path WR. Further, since the concentration of the surfactant for generating the accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A is not high, wiping or the like is not required even when the surfactant is returned to water after the sterilization treatment. Further, since no salt is contained as in hypochlorous acid or the like, there is no fear of rusting or the like.

However, in the operation of the indoor unit 10A (air conditioner 10), in general, dew condensation water is generated in the portion of the heat exchanger 18 during the cooling operation, but dew condensation water is not generated in the portion of the heat exchanger 18 during the heating operation. Therefore, in order to generate the hydrogen peroxide 36 using the photocatalyst filter 26 and accelerate the hydrogen peroxide 36A during the heating operation, it is necessary to supply water from the outside to the water receiving portion 28.

Therefore, the indoor unit 10A (air conditioning apparatus 10) of the present embodiment includes a water generating unit that generates dew condensation water even during heating operation. For example, as shown in fig. 4, a part of the wall surface of the water receiving unit 28, for example, the bottom surface portion 28a, is provided with a cooling pipe 34 constituting a part of the water generating unit at the lower side, and the water receiving unit 28 itself is cooled. The refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit including the heat exchanger 18 is caused to flow through the cooling pipe 34 in a state of, for example, about 5 ℃. As a result, water receiving unit 28 can be cooled even during heating operation, and dew condensation occurs on the wall surface of water receiving unit 28, and dew condensation water is accumulated. Further, a heat insulating material is disposed on the outer wall of water receiving unit 28 and around cooling pipe 34, and condensation occurs on the inner wall side (inside the tank or the container) of water receiving unit 28. Further, the cooling pipe 34 may be provided so that the outer wall of the water receiving portion 28 is thick and the cooling pipe 34 is embedded therein. The cooling pipe 34 may be disposed inside the water receiving portion 28 (e.g., on the top surface of the bottom portion 28 a).

As shown in fig. 5, the outdoor unit 10B of the air-conditioning apparatus 10 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 40, an outdoor fan 42, a compressor 44, a four-way valve 46, and an expansion valve 48. The outdoor heat exchanger 40, the compressor 44, the four-way valve 46, and the expansion valve 48 of the outdoor unit 10B are connected to the heat exchanger 18 (indoor heat exchanger) of the indoor unit 10A via refrigerant pipes P (P1 to P5), and constitute a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant can circulate. In the case of fig. 5, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 and the accumulator 44a connected to the compressor 44 are connected by a refrigerant pipe P1 via a four-way valve 46, and the compressor 44 is connected to the (indoor) heat exchanger 18 by a refrigerant pipe P2 via the four-way valve 46. In the indoor unit 10A of the present embodiment, a water generating unit 50 that generates dew condensation water in the water receiving unit 28 is disposed between the (indoor) heat exchanger 18 and the expansion valve 48 of the outdoor unit 10B. The (indoor) heat exchanger 18 and the water generating unit 50 are connected by a refrigerant pipe P3, and the water generating unit 50 and the expansion valve 48 are connected by a refrigerant pipe P4. The expansion valve 48 and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 are connected by a refrigerant pipe P5.

The outdoor heat exchanger 40 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes (not shown) and the outdoor air sent by the outdoor fan 42.

The compressor 44 compresses a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant into a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant, and discharges the gas refrigerant. An accumulator 44a for performing gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant is connected to the suction side of the compressor 44.

The expansion valve 48 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in one of the outdoor heat exchanger 40 or the (indoor) heat exchanger 18 as a condenser. The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 48 is guided to the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 40 or the (indoor) heat exchanger 18 as an evaporator.

The (indoor) heat exchanger 18 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes in the inside thereof and the indoor air sent by the (indoor) fan 16.

The four-way valve 46 is a valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 10.

For example, during the cooling operation, in the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 44, the outdoor heat exchanger 40, the expansion valve 48, and the (indoor) heat exchanger 18 in this order. As a result, heat is exchanged between the indoor air and the refrigerant in the (indoor) heat exchanger 18, and the air cooled by the heat exchange is discharged to the indoor space, thereby lowering the indoor temperature. The heat (heat of the refrigerant) recovered by the heat exchange is heat-exchanged with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 40, is discharged to the outside, and is discharged from the refrigerant circuit. On the other hand, during the heating operation, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit in the order of the compressor 44, the (indoor) heat exchanger 18, the expansion valve 48, and the outdoor heat exchanger 40. As a result, heat is exchanged between the indoor air and the refrigerant in the (indoor) heat exchanger 18, and the air heated by the heat exchange is discharged to the indoor, thereby raising the indoor temperature. The refrigerant cooled by the heat exchange exchanges heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 40, and heat is recovered from the outside and taken into the refrigerant circuit.

Fig. 6 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory view showing a system for generating dew condensation water using a circulating refrigerant in the water generating unit 50 of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 10A) and returning the used refrigerant to the circulation system.

During the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged to the refrigerant pipe P3 as a result of heat exchange with the indoor air from the (indoor) heat exchanger 18 is, for example, in a medium-temperature or medium-pressure liquid state. At the branch portion S on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 18, the flow of the refrigerant is branched into the first branch passage P31 and the second branch passage P32. In first branch flow path P31, low temperature unit 52 is provided, and low temperature unit 52 reduces the temperature of the refrigerant to a temperature equal to or lower than a temperature at which dew condensation water can be generated and supplies the refrigerant to cooling pipe 34 disposed so as to be in contact with water receiving unit 28. The temperature lowering section 52 may be formed of, for example, a capillary tube, and the refrigerant is expanded in the capillary tube to lower the temperature of the refrigerant to, for example, about 5 ℃. Downstream of the temperature lowering portion 52 is a cooling pipe 34 connected to the bottom surface portion 28a of the water receiving portion 28 as shown in fig. 4 and the like. As a result, even during the heating operation, the water receiving portion 28 is cooled to condense the air existing in the surroundings, and dew condensation water is generated inside (in the tank) the water receiving portion 28, and is used to generate OH radicals 32 and further generate hydrogen peroxide 36 (accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A).

During heating operation (indoor), the refrigerant discharged to refrigerant pipe P3 as a result of heat exchange with indoor air from heat exchanger 18 needs to be supplied to expansion valve 48 in a medium-temperature and medium-pressure state. In this case, when the refrigerant that has flowed into the first branch passage P31 and has a low temperature and a low pressure is caused to flow in the branch portion S and is joined to the refrigerant of a medium temperature and a medium pressure flowing through the second branch passage P32 while maintaining this state, a reverse flow occurs, and therefore, the refrigerant cannot be joined smoothly. Therefore, the water generator 50 reheats the refrigerant that has passed through the cooling pipe 34 and assisted in the generation of dew water. Specifically, a reheating section 54 is provided downstream of the temperature lowering section 52 provided in the first branch passage P31, and the reheating section 54 uses the medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second branch passage P32 to reheat the refrigerant having a temperature lowered in the temperature lowering section 52 so as to approach the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second branch passage P32. The reheating unit 54 has a spiral double-pipe structure in which a pipe portion on the downstream side of the cooling pipe 34 and the second branch passage P32 form, for example, a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant flowing through the second branch passage P32 heats the refrigerant passing through the cooling pipe 34 and is discharged to the refrigerant passage P33. Then, the second branch passage P32, i.e., the refrigerant pipe P34, which has passed through the reheating section 54, and the refrigerant passage P33 through which the reheated refrigerant flows merge at the merging section J. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through the first branch passage P31 and having a low temperature and a low pressure is reheated, and as a result, the refrigerant can smoothly merge with the medium temperature and medium pressure refrigerant flowing through the second branch passage P32, enter the refrigerant pipe P4, and be supplied to the expansion valve 48. That is, dew condensation water can be easily generated even during the cooling operation. Further, the low temperature lowering portion 52 can be configured inexpensively by using a capillary tube, but may be configured by, for example, an expansion valve instead of the capillary tube, and similar effects can be obtained.

In the cooling operation, dew condensation water is generated when heat exchange is performed in the (indoor) heat exchanger 18. In this case, dew condensation water may be supplied to the water receiving unit 28. At this time, dew condensation water may be generated in an amount equal to or more than the amount necessary for generating the hydrogen peroxide 36 (accelerating the hydrogen peroxide 36A). In this case, for example, a water level sensor may be provided in the water receiving portion 28, and when dew condensation water more than necessary flows into the water receiving portion 28, excess water may be discharged from the discharge port of the drain pan. In addition, when sufficient dew condensation water can be generated in heat exchanger 18 during the cooling operation, water generation unit 50 may temporarily stop the generation of dew condensation water. In this case, for example, switching valves may be provided in the branching portion S and the merging portion J so that the refrigerant is not supplied to the first branch flow path P31.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing a system for improving the efficiency of accelerating the generation of hydrogen peroxide 36A by using ozone 58 in a modification of the air conditioner 10 (indoor unit 10A). In the case of the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22 shown in fig. 3, ultraviolet light is irradiated from the light source 24 to the photocatalyst filter 26 to generate hydroxide ions 30, further OH radicals 32, and finally hydrogen peroxide 36.

On the other hand, the hydrogen peroxide generation part 22A shown in fig. 7 generates ozone 58 (O) using the ozone generator 56 (ozone generation part) ₃ ) The accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A is generated based on the generated ozone 58. The ozone generator 56 is disposed at a position on the upstream side of the ventilation path WR on the side opposite to the photocatalyst filter 26 with the light source 24 interposed therebetween, for example.

The ozone 58 can be generated using a known ozone generating device. For example, by passing throughOzone can be easily generated by applying an alternating voltage between electrodes through a dielectric (e.g., glass) to generate silent discharge. At this time, water (H) containing the surfactant 38 is dissolved in the photocatalyst filter 26 ₂ O) is distributed throughout by capillary phenomenon. In this state, when the photocatalyst filter 26 is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the light source 24, the ozone 58 is decomposed by the photocatalyst to generate singlet oxygen (O + O) ₂ ). The singlet oxygen reacts with water (H) present in the photocatalyst filter 26 ₂ O) to form two molecules of OH radicals 32. Further, since water containing the surfactant 38 exists around the generated OH radicals 32, the OH radicals 32 dissolve in the water to generate the accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A (H) ₂ O ₂ )。

As described above, by generating the ozone 58 in advance in the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22A, a large amount of hydrogen peroxide 36 (accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A) can be generated more efficiently than in the case where the OH radicals 32 are generated by irradiating only the ultraviolet light to the photocatalyst filter 26 (accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A) as shown in fig. 3. Further, although there are cases where an odor is easily perceived or a human body is adversely affected when the concentration of ozone 58 is high, in the present embodiment, ozone 58 is decomposed, and thus such a disadvantage is easily eliminated.

In this case, the accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A generated in the hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22A flows through the inside of the casing 12 by the operation of the fan 16, and is discharged to the outside (indoor) of the indoor unit 10A while riding on the wind W passing through the photocatalyst filter 26. The accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A released from the indoor unit 10A reacts with positive ions (H +) and negative ions (O) on the surface of viruses and the like floating in the air ₂ -) are bound, and a portion is returned as OH radical 32. The OH radicals 32 having a strong oxidizing power abstract hydrogen atoms (H) from the surface of the viral protein to inactivate (sterilize). The hydrogen peroxide generation unit 22A may omit the addition of the surfactant 38. In this case, too, a large amount of hydrogen peroxide 36 can be efficiently generated to sterilize.

In this way, the accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A (hydrogen peroxide 36) containing the OH radicals 32 can be easily produced in a large amount by using the ozone 58 together with the hydrogen peroxide generator 22A. In this case as well, since the photocatalyst filter 26 can be easily disposed in a sufficient area (size) in the air passage WR, a sufficient amount of accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A (hydrogen peroxide 36) can be generated. As a result, the accelerated hydrogen peroxide 36A (hydrogen peroxide 36) is discharged into the room by being entrained by the temperature-adjusted air discharged from the ventilation path WR with a simple configuration, thereby improving the indoor sterilization effect. Further, since the photocatalyst filter 26 provided in the ventilation path WR can be impregnated with sufficient water, sufficient water can be released into the air, and the released OH radicals 32 can be returned to water as a result of the sterilization treatment, so that the water can be returned to the room, which can contribute to the suppression of drying in the room. As described above, the photocatalyst filter 26 that can contain water can be relatively easily assembled as a large-sized member in the housing 12, and therefore, the drying in the room can be easily suppressed.

In the above embodiment, the hydrogen

peroxide generation units

22 and 22A are disposed on the downstream side of the fan 16, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the hydrogen

peroxide generation units

22 and 22A may be disposed upstream of the fan 16. That is, the hydrogen

peroxide generation parts

22 and 22A may be disposed in the ventilation path WR. In the above embodiment, for example, the description has been given assuming the residential air conditioner 10, but the configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to various air conditioners 10 as well. For example, the configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to an air conditioner for business use, an air conditioner installed in a vehicle, an airplane, a ship, or the like, and the same effects can be obtained.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. An air conditioner is provided with:

a housing;

a fan that takes in air outside the casing into an air passage inside the casing, passes the air through the heat exchanger, and discharges the air to the outside of the casing;

a water-containing photocatalyst filter including a photocatalyst and provided in a part of the air passage so as to allow the air to pass therethrough;

a water receiving unit capable of supplying water to the photocatalyst filter; and

and a light source capable of irradiating ultraviolet light to the photocatalyst filter.

2. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,

a water generating unit is provided on the air discharge side of the casing, and generates water from air flowing in the casing at least during a heating operation.

4. The air conditioner apparatus according to claim 3,

the water generating part includes:

a branching portion that branches a flow of the refrigerant into a first branch flow path and a second branch flow path on a downstream side of the heat exchanger;

a low temperature unit provided in the first branch flow path, for generating condensed water to be supplied to the water receiving unit by reducing the temperature of the refrigerant to a temperature equal to or lower than a temperature at which the condensed water can be generated; and

and a reheating unit that is provided in the second branch flow passage, and heats the refrigerant, which has been reduced in the temperature reducing unit, on a downstream side of the temperature reducing unit so as to approach a temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second branch flow passage and join the refrigerant flowing through the second branch flow passage.

5. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the ozone generator is provided on the opposite side of the photocatalyst filter and on the upstream side of the ventilation passage with the light source interposed therebetween.